Are there reduced price vet consults for small pets? If not, why not?

Small pets come in all shapes and sizes. They are usually thought of as small mammalian species which are kept as pets. This definition covers a wide range of species including rabbits, rodents such as guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice and rats, and more unusual species such as sugar gliders, a type of marsupial, and African pygmy hedgehogs.

Small pets can make an excellent choice for a family pet; but can also be challenging to look after depending on the species and its specific needs. 

Do vet costs change if the pet is smaller?

Unfortunately many small pets can be purchased for low prices in pet shops; which can result in a misunderstanding of how much their care costs. It can be difficult for some people to understand that the low purchase price of the pet is irrelevant when it comes to the cost of their care and it can lead to difficult situations when new owners are not in a financial position to look after their new pet. It is important to remember you should only purchase a pet if you are able to meet all of its welfare needs for the duration of its life; including providing access to veterinary care.

Vet costs are based on a number of factors, these include:

• The time and knowledge used by the veterinary team working out what is wrong with your pet, providing treatment to your pet and/or providing you with advice and information
• The cost of the medications needed to treat your pet
• The costs and overheads of running the veterinary practice which include providing the equipment, staff and facilities needed to treat your pet

The size of the pet is irrelevant for most of these factors. 

No matter how big or small the pet, the veterinary team will still spend as much time as is needed to ensure your pet gets the care they need, and the facilities, staff and equipment are not reduced if your pet is smaller, the same level of expertise and high standards of equipment is still needed.

The only factor which can change when your pet is smaller is the cost of medication. For certain medications a smaller volume may be needed than a larger animal. In this case you will only be charged for the medication you need; so you may pay less for the medication compared to what you would pay if you were treating your dog or cat for example. It is important to note this is not always the case for all medications. So it is important to discuss with your veterinary practice the medications which you have been prescribed and the most cost effective way to purchase them.

Are there reduced price vet consults for small pets?

Generally no, although the cost of a vet consult is ultimately decided by each individual veterinary practice.

As discussed already, the time taken to treat your pet, and the equipment and overheads of running the practice do not change just because the pet is smaller. These two factors are covered by the consultation price. The medication prescribed to your pet is charged in addition to the consultation price. As a result the consultation price for small pets is often the same as for cats and dogs. Another important factor to consider is the knowledge your veterinary team have on the specific diseases and conditions specific to your small pet. Some vets undertake additional qualifications to specialise in treating these unique species and are experts in their field. In these cases, the consultation charge includes payment for accessing this knowledge which has taken years to accumulate. 

Summary:

• Small pets include many small mammalian species including rabbits, rodents, sugar gliders and hedgehogs
• Veterinary consultation fees are often the same price no matter how small the pet as the consultation fee reflects the time, knowledge, expertise, equipment and facilities needed to treat your pet, which are factors unaffected by your pets size
• The cost of certain medications can be cheaper for small pets but this is not always the case and depends on the treatment needed
• The purchase price of the pet does not reflect the cost of its care and can be misleading. Only purchase a small pet if you are able to meet all of its needs including providing access to veterinary care

Further reading:

• Canine liver diets – What are they for and do they work?
• What toys are best for rats?
• What to expect in an arthritis clinic at the vets
• How long do vet consults last for?
• What Goes into the Cost of My Dog’s Surgery?

• What are injection fees on a vet’s bill?
• The difference between price and value in the veterinary world